HSAM was formed in 2006 after Claire Sedgwick and Rob White returned from a holiday in Essaouira, Morocco. They found that many of the street cats and dogs living there were weak, underweight, dehydrated and in very poor health. They couldn't turn their backs; urgent veterinary treatment was needed.

Claire and Rob medically treated a family of kittens whilst in Essaouria, two of which had both eyes ruptured and needed veterinary help. They eventually found a local vet, Dr Adnan El Aji, who showed compassion towards the two kittens and put them to sleep on humane grounds.

Adnan agreed that many of the street animals were suffering and needed help. Neutering was dicussed and it was decided that this was the key to helping control the ever increasing population.

Upon their return to Britain, Claire and Rob decided to actively campaign for a better life for the street animals and so Help the Street Animals of Morocco was formed.

Claire Sedgwick

Claire co-founded HSAM with her partner Rob in 2006. Claire has been dedicated to animal rescue for many years and works as a veterinary nurse and an animal behaviourist.

Rob White

A co-founder of HSAM, Rob has been involved in animal rescue work for many years. Rob spends much of his time in Morocco collecting adult animals for neutering and treating kittens on the street.

Dr Adnan el Aji

A vital member of the HSAM team, Adnan not only gives his time to help Essaouira's street animals, but also provides surgery space for neutering and other operations.

Valerie Adams

Since moving to Morocco from Belgium, Valerie has dedicated her life to helping animals in need. Valerie is an excellent guide to the maze of Essaouira's streets and is fearless when dealing with some of our more feral patients!

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